"For the first time in my life, my mind stopped": Kayleigh's story

When Kayleigh, Audiology Partner at Specsavers Taunton, visited her GP with a bad back, an ADHD assessment was the last thing she expected to discuss.

But as she explained how her symptoms were connected to anxiety, overwhelm and the constant feeling of having too much going on in her head, her GP asked a question that changed everything.

"Have you ever considered being assessed for ADHD?"

That question set Kayleigh on a journey that would help her better understand herself and the challenges she had been facing for years.

For much of her life, Kayleigh lived with racing thoughts, self-doubt and a constant inner narrative telling her she wasn't good enough.

"As a clinician I was fine, but since becoming a Partner three years ago, I truly started to believe I was in the wrong job."

While she enjoyed the clinical side of her role, she often struggled with focus, planning and the business responsibilities that came with partnership, leaving her questioning whether she was capable.

A new understanding

Following her diagnosis, Kayleigh began learning more about how her brain works and exploring ways to support herself.

More recently, after starting medication, she experienced something she had never felt before.

"For the first time in my life, my mind stopped."

For Kayleigh, that moment brought a sense of clarity and understanding she'd never experienced.

"The emotion I felt in that moment, realising I wasn't just a ball of anxiety, was huge."

Since then, she has noticed significant changes both at work and in everyday life. Things that once felt overwhelming now feel more manageable, from planning ahead and organising workloads to contributing in meetings with confidence.

"I can speak in meetings without overthinking every single word beforehand. I can plan rotas, stock takes and everything else weeks in advance, things that used to feel impossible."

Supporting others

Alongside her own journey, Kayleigh has become passionate about helping others who may be facing similar challenges.

She has been focusing on personal development and recently started an EMCC coaching course, with the aim of supporting people who feel different, lack confidence or doubt their ability to achieve their goals.

Reflecting on her experience, Kayleigh believes there is an important lesson for both colleagues and leaders.

"If someone is struggling, don't just see the anxiety. Ask what might be behind it."

This ADHD Awareness Month, she hopes sharing her story encourages others to seek support, ask questions and know they are not alone.

"You are absolutely not 'not good enough'."

For Kayleigh, understanding herself has been transformative, and she believes different ways of thinking make teams, workplaces and communities stronger.